Lassen Men’s Basketball Faces Tough Second Weekend Against Top Competition

Game 1: Lassen vs. American River – Browne Shines, But Three-Point Barrage Sinks Cougars

Final Score: American River 81, Lassen 63

Lassen opened the weekend at American River College and ran into a red-hot shooting display. American River connected on 14-of-32 three-point attempts (43.8%), using a 56-point first half to take control of the game early. Lassen played a more competitive second half, but the early deficit proved too deep.

DeCarlo Browne continued his strong start to the season, scoring 23 points on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting, while grabbing 8 rebounds. Malachi Green added 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting, and Vincent Dame chipped in 9 points, all coming from beyond the arc (3-for-6). The team shot 55.8% from the field, their best mark this season.

Despite the offensive efficiency, Lassen struggled to contain American River’s ball movement, allowing five different players to hit multiple threes. The Cougars were also outrebounded and gave up 25 assists, often finding themselves a step behind on closeouts and rotations.

While the shooting effort was encouraging, 22 turnovers and a lack of second-chance opportunities hurt their ability to stay close. The Cougars showed offensive rhythm but will need to improve defensively to compete with high-volume perimeter teams moving forward.

Game 2: Lassen vs. Chabot – Cisceros and Robert Power the Offense

Final Score: Chabot 95, Lassen 65

On day two, Lassen faced a relentless Chabot squad that pushed the pace and overwhelmed the Cougars with depth and balance. Despite falling 95–65, Lassen saw strong offensive efforts from Fernando Cisceros, who poured in 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 7-of-12 from three, and McKay Robert, who added 20 points on 9-of-14 from the floor.

Lassen shot 47.4% overall and 40% from three, but couldn’t overcome Chabot’s 52.3% shooting and 33-point output from their bench. The Gladiators had eight players score 6 or more points, with four in double figures, and dominated the rebounding battle.

Turnovers again haunted the Cougars, who gave the ball away 21 times, leading to easy transition opportunities for Chabot. Defensive breakdowns and a lack of interior resistance allowed Chabot to score 47 in the first half and 48 in the second.

Still, Lassen showed resilience on offense, and players like Jovell Johnson (5 assists) and Jeremiah Collins (3 assists, 3 steals) contributed in other areas. The performance from Cisceros in particular was a major bright spot, establishing him as one of Lassen’s key perimeter weapons moving forward.

Game 3: Lassen at Las Positas – Defensive Collapse Ends Road Trip

Final Score: Las Positas 102, Lassen 44

The final game of the weekend was Lassen’s toughest outing yet. The Cougars were overwhelmed by a relentless Las Positas team that dominated in nearly every statistical category. Las Positas shot 48.2% from the field, pulled down 60 rebounds, and forced 28 Lassen turnovers in a 102–44 rout.

Lassen struggled out of the gate, managing only 16 first-half points. Malachi Green led the Cougars with 14 points, shooting 6-of-11 from the field, and was one of the few consistent contributors. DeCarlo Browne added 6 points and 3 rebounds, but foul trouble limited his minutes and impact. Jovell Johnson had 5 points and 3 assists, while Isaiah Lassiter grabbed 8 boards.

Las Positas ran a deep, athletic rotation with five players scoring in double figures, and 19 team steals, turning the game into a track meet. Lassen’s offense sputtered, finishing at just 36% from the field, and the team was overwhelmed on the glass, out-rebounded 60–21.

This loss highlighted the Cougars' ongoing need to improve in key areas: rebounding, ball security, and defensive transition. However, with a young team and a brutal early schedule, games like these will serve as valuable learning experiences.